Get fast answers to your questions regarding APCA, exam registrations, and the transition from ARDMS certifications.
What is APCA?
APCA, the Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement, is a certification council spun out of ARDMS exclusively to meet the needs of physicians.
Which Certifications Are Awarded Through APCA?
The physician-only RPVI, RPVI-China, RMSK, CBNC, and CBCCT certifications are now awarded through APCA, as is the Latin American Ultrasound Certificate Program and the Ultrasound Point-of-Care Program (coming soon). ARDMS still awards the sonographer-level RDMS, RDCS, RVT and RMSKS certifications.
Since APCA and ARDMS are companion councils, you can hold both APCA and ARDMS certifications/credentials and receive exceptional customer service and manage all maintenance of certification requirements through APCA. All the services, reminders and notifications about your certification(s) previously received from ARDMS will now be provided by APCA.
With my transition to APCA, do I need to re-apply or re-earn my certification(s)?
No. Your certification(s) are active and in good standing.
I hold both APCA and ARDMS certifications. Will I pay two renewal fees?
No. You will only pay one renewal fee due by December 31st. Communications about your renewal fee will come from APCA beginning in the fall.
Have the eligibility requirements changed?
No. All eligibility requirements are currently the same.
What can I do through MY APCA, and how do I log in?
MY APCA is your personal website where you may update your contact information, apply for new certifications, print status verification letters, and pay renewal fees (beginning in the fall). You may log in to MY APCA from the APCA.org homepage using the same certification number and password that you used for MY ARDMS.
My employer requires me to hold an ARDMS certification. How does my move to APCA affect this?
ARDMS still awards the sonographer-level RDMS, RDCS, RVT and RMSKS certifications. If you hold these certifications, you are still certified by ARDMS, and nothing about your personal credential has changed. Since ARDMS and APCA are companion councils, you can hold an ARDMS certification but receive your customer service needs and manage all maintenance of certification requirements through APCA. Our goal in launching APCA is to better serve the practicing physician community.
Where can I find a complete list of prerequisites for the RPVI and RMSK certifications?
A list of prerequisites for the RPVI certification can be found in the RPVI How to Apply Guide.
Prerequisites are currently determined by education level but there will soon be universal prerequisites for MDs, DOs, and international physicians. For updates on this transition, sign up for our newsletter.
Prerequisites for the RMSK certification can be found here.
What are the examination fees for the MSK and PVI examinations?
The MSK and PVI examinations cost $600. Those who are taking APCA examinations at test centers outside of the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be assessed a $50 USD fee.
Where can I find a list of test centers?
You can find a test center and seat availability through Pearson Vue, APCA’s official testing vendor.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
For assistance, please visit our contact page and select the topic that corresponds to your question or give us a call at (800) 943-1709 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET.
